This exotic Italian thoroughbred will be involved as leader of the Ferrari tour component of Targa as well as being on static display in Launceston.

Unveiled for the first time at an exclusive function at Ferrari’s new state-of-the-art showroom on Sydney’s upper north shore late last year, the 488 Pista’s Targa involvement will be the first time it has been seen by a wider audience in Australia.

It has been conceived directly from Ferrari’s successful campaign in the GTE class of the FIA World Endurance Championship as well as drawing some technology from the marque’s perpetual involvement in F1.

At the heart of the super-coupe is a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 that channels 530kW of power and 770Nm of torque to the rear wheels.

The pulling force is greater than the 488 GTB model at all engine speeds.

The engine stands as the most powerful V8 the Italian marque has produced.

Aerodynamics have been created from the racing departments with a front F1-inspired S-Duct and front diffusers adopting a ramp angle used by the competition 488 GTE versions.

The rear diffuser uses the same double kink design as the 488 GTE with the entire aero package helping to boost the Pista’s downforce ability by a staggering 20 percent.

Customer versions of the Pista are expected to arrive in Australia from mid-year.

Long-time Ferrari Australasia chief executive Herbert Appleroth will pilot the powerful Pista at the front of a field of more than 10 Ferraris in the non-competitive touring class at Targa.

Renato Loberto, an experienced GT racer, who is the founder and director of automotive and motorsport consultancy firm MotoKinetic, will also be assisting the Ferrari group.

Fans will have a chance to view the Pista up close at the TargaFest on Launceston’s Silverdome on April 28 and Wednesday May 1 from 6-9pm each night.

Stay tuned for all the latest developments and news on Targa Tasmania.